Category: Food-borne Infections
The state Department of Health has temporarily closed Samish Bay to shellfish harvesting because of high levels of fecal bacteria from the Samish River.
More than 200 who attended the cheerleading competition in Everett were sickened by the ‘stomach flu’ bug known as norovirus, health officials report.
At least 192 cases of vomiting and diarrhea have now been linked to a Washington state high school cheerleading tournament held in Everett, February 4, the Washington State Department of Health said Thursday.
When it comes to food safety, the general rule is, “If in doubt, throw it out.” Never taste suspicious food. It may look and smell fine, but bacteria that cause foodborne illness may be present and could make you sick.
Food safety for Thanksgiving goes beyond the proper preparation and cooking of turkey: cross-contamination and improper preparation and storage of other foods are other common causes of food-borne illnesses during the holiday season.
Federal funding for medical research, disease prevention and a host of public health initiatives could be sharply reduced if the congressional super committee fails to agree on a deficit-reduction package, triggering automatic cuts.
Unlike most bacteria, Listeria germs can grow and spread in the refrigerator. So if you unknowingly refrigerate Listeria-contaminated food, the germs can contaminate your refrigerator and spread to other foods.
Food at fairs and other outdoor events may not have been properly cleaned, refrigerated or cooked: So take care.
People are urged not to eat shellfish from that area until further notice due to the risk of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP).
The shellfish contain the bacteria Vibrio parahemolyticus, which thrives in Washington’s coastal waters in the summer, but which can be killed with cooking.
Washington health officials to warn people not to eat alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce, Inc.” The sprouts are linked to nine cases of Salmonella Enteritidis in Washington; cases have also been reported in Idaho, Montana and North Dakota.
How to prevent food poisoning from ruining your summer cookout — Tips from the FDA
LocalHealthGuide is a health news and information web service for Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. We are independent and unaffiliated with any hospital, medical association or insurer. If you have questions or if your group has an upcoming event that you would like us to cover, please let us know by going to our "Contact Us" page and dropping us a note. -- Michael McCarthy, Editor
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